If the second quarter of 2026 proved anything, it’s that meaningful community progress is never the result of one person or one organization. It happens when local leaders, nonprofits, public officials, and partners come together around a shared vision and we’re grateful that KO Consulting continues to play a role in helping those visions become reality.
From securing state investments and celebrating major milestones to helping clients tell their stories and build momentum, Q2 was filled with moments worth celebrating. While every project looks different, they all have one thing in common: they represent communities investing in their future.
This quarter brought exciting wins across our client network. In the Mahoning Valley, LOOP Arts & Culture Center celebrated the dedication of its newly acquired building, creating an even stronger home for local artists, makers, and creatives while expanding opportunities for arts and culture in the region.
We also celebrated alongside Thrive Mahoning Valley as they hosted their inaugural gala, A Legal Way Forward. This fundraising event demonstrated the incredible generosity of the Mahoning Valley community. The evening featured live music, food from around the world, inspiring speakers, and an overwhelming show of support for expanding access to immigration legal services. Nearly $45,000 was raised toward the organization’s $60,000 goal, helping ensure more individuals and families can access the legal resources they need.
Communities also continued finding new ways to celebrate their unique histories. The Village of McDonald unveiled the Woodland Park History Trail, honoring the community’s rich industrial legacy while creating an engaging educational experience for residents and visitors alike. It’s another example of how strategic investment can preserve local heritage while strengthening community pride.
Of course, these successes represent only a snapshot of the work happening across our client communities. Every grant submitted, every partnership formed, every ribbon cut, and every new initiative launched brings us one step closer to stronger, more resilient communities throughout Ohio.
Capital Budget Successes
Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450, Ohio’s FY 2027–2028 capital budget on June 16, which included a total of $3.7 billion in appropriations for projects to strengthen infrastructure, education, public facilities, and quality of life throughout Ohio.
We’re proud to share that more than $1 million in capital budget funding was awarded to communities and nonprofit organizations that KO Consulting has had the privilege to support, helping move critical local projects forward. Congratulations to:
- Weathersfield Local School District
- Village of McDonald, Ohio Administration
- City of Struthers
- VW YWCA
These investments reflect the vision, persistence, and leadership of local leaders and organizations working every day to make their communities stronger. We are honored to be in their corner and grateful for the opportunity to help advance projects that will create lasting impact.
Quarter Two Highlights by Gina Magazine
This quarter has been exciting yet challenging. Looking into the 3rd quarter, I am excited to see the new clients we gain and the projects they are looking to grow. I am proud of the firm’s success through both the Congressional District Spending and Capital Budget processes. This has been a huge achievement for all team members, and I am excited to see these projects come to fruition! I’m proud to have help Weathersfield Local Schools secure $500,000 through the Capital Budget!
On the Ground in Washington, D.C. by Niko Mastorides
Joining a host of community leaders in Washington, D.C. for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s Annual Fly-In– Josh, Niko, Ty, and Pat spent their time on Capitol Hill representing the firm, advocating for clients, and raising awareness for key projects in our region. While both inside and outside the scheduled event, the team interacted with a multitude of elected officials as well as key stakeholders in D.C. to ensure our clients’ voices and projects were heard. Opportunities that allow for significant advocacy within the capital will always be leveraged by KO in order to place our clients’ shared regional priorities at the forefront of our work. The team looks forward to carrying this momentum into Q3.
KO Knows: Going Further with ODOT by Nathanial Braunstein
Many ODOT funding programs require projects to be fully prepared/developed or supported by strong planning and documentation. Organizations that prepare in advance are often the ones best positioned to secure funding when applications open. ODOT grants can be a powerful tool for improving transportation infrastructure, but success starts long before the application is submitted. Strategic planning, compliance, and a well-developed project are the foundation of every competitive proposal.
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